"A damned wolf." He let out a sigh. "And your dog took off after it."
Her stomach plummeted. "Alfred!" she called. "Where is he? You didn't shoot him, did you?"
She took two steps away from him, only to be pulled to a halt by his painful grip on her arm. "Of course not. I know the difference between a gray wolf and a brindle gargoyle."
"Let go of me," she said, trying to pull free. "You know I have to find him. I won't rest until I do."
The pressure of his hold increased sending a surging pain up her arm. "You'll not go gallivanting off into the night in search of a dog."
"You're hurting me," she said, still trying to twist free.
He eased his grip and in one swift easy motion, pulled her to him and all struggling ceased. Oh, but she needed him to hold her. Had needed him to hold her since leaving their bed this morning.
Dragging in a deep breath, she savored his familiar, masculine scent. She melted against him, delighting in the warmth of his breath against her cheek.
A long moment passed before she finally broke the magical silence that held them in place.
"I'm so sorry for going to Reg instead of waiting for you. It was a mistake," she said, hoping he'd say something, anything to appease her guilt. "I was so hurt and feared you thought our actions in error." When he said nothing, she ventured further, praying her admission wouldn't reignite his anger. "I knew that if I went, I would garner your wrath, but I felt the need to grab your attention."
He let out a low growl. "Well, you did. You've got my attention," he said, running his hands up and down her back. "And I realize now I shouldn't have rushed off after making love to you. My departure was not at all for the reasons you rightfully suspected."
With the wind kicking up, she snuggled closer, smitten and nearly immune to the cold as long as he was with her, holding her, stroking her…She bit her lower lip and wondered if maybe he would take her to the cabin and into his bed. Desire sent her body spinning in a cyclone of need.
"You aren't sorry about his morning?"
He chuckled. "Absolutely not." He leaned in closer, his lips next to her ear. "I want to make love to you again, and the sooner the better, but I fear our future will have to wait."
His words were like a splash of cold water on a hot stone. They sizzled and evaporated, leaving her trembling. "Why?"
David sighed, his body growing tense. "Bobbie, I’m sorry. I didn't find your family."
She sniffled and pulling back, craned her neck. Fighting the dimness of night, she hoped to see his face and to read his expression. To find the answers to questions she had yet to voice. But damn the stars for not burning brighter and damn the moon for its weakness. She saw nothing. "They weren't in the barn?"
He shook his head. "Reg wasn't there to question and his sledge tracks ended midway down the mountain." Letting go of her, he rubbed his beardless chin. "I would have continued in the hopes of coming upon another clue, but it was simply too dark and the terrain too dangerous."
Handing her the reins, he pulled the rifle from its scabbard.
"But why? Why would he do that? I mean…take their bodies?" She held tight to Ned's lead, her bare fingers aching with the cold and her mind swimming with her shock. "David, what have I done?"
"I don't know what to tell you, Bobbie." With his free hand he touched her shoulder in an obvious attempt to calm her. His touch did no good for once again the world around her felt cold, desolate and lonely.
"I-I did this. My pride was bruised and I did this."
"Hush now," he said, taking a step forward. "And follow close behind. I want you between me and Ned, do you understand?"
"I should have never gone there. I loathe that man." She dragged her heavy hems through the snow, barely aware of her icy toes.
"No, you shouldn't have, but what's done is done." He cocked the rifle and slowing, set the stock to his shoulder. "Damned wolves." As he pulled the trigger and when the world exploded she let out a shocked gasp. Her ears ached from the percussion and what small bit of resolve she had left shattered.
Tears followed by sobs reverberated from her core. She was stupid, so damned stupid and now she would never know peace. Never know the peace of seeing her family laid to rest.
"Roberta, pull yourself together!" David shouted, his voice stern with warning. "I can't hear the wolves and I sure as hell don't want to lose you or Ned because of your blubbering."
She pinched her trembling lips together, hoping she could maintain some form of silence but her heart ached for release and her mind sought avenues of escape from the guilt. But each rocky road ended in the same spot. There was no getting around the fact that all that had happened this day and all that was happening now was her fault.
"How many wolves are there?" she asked through chattering teeth.
"Don't know. But judging by the tracks on the way to Reg's this afternoon, quite a few. They're pack animals. They're hungry and Ned is prime."
As if he understood, Ned tensed and blew out a nervous whinny that fanned across Bobbie's cheek and had alarm bells ringing in her head. There was something out there and awareness tingled across her body. She wiped her eyes on the back of her hand trying to clear her vision.
"Damnation," David grumbled and reloading the rifle, he once again set it to his shoulder. He turned sharply, and fired just as a wolf lunged toward them, his large mouth open, as he leapt at Ned. The beast fell dead only inches from them, his pale fur growing dark as blood spurted from his wound.
Ned skittered and reared up on his hind legs, very nearly jerking Bobbie's shoulders from their sockets. Still, she didn't let go, determined that Ned wouldn't be lost because of her. Yet her frozen, scarred fingers screamed for release. A release she refused surrender to.
He set his feet back down and even in the dark of night, Bobbie could see the whites of his eyes, and feel the terror that thundered through his body. "Easy, boy," she said, stroking his neck but he continued to paw and dance, his desire to run equaling her own.
She turned to David, his rifle on the ground, his hand curled around the butt of a revolver. "You and Ned are going to make a run for the barn."
Momentary confusion addled her thoughts. Did he actually think she was going to leave him behind?
"No. I'm not going anywhere without you."
"I'll be right behind you."
She shook her head adamantly. "I can't…I won't risk you."
"Bobbie, stop treating me like an idiot who hasn't survived for years without you." His words cut through her panic. "You'll divert the sons of bitches and I'll shoot until I'm out of bullets. Now, do as I say."
She glanced down at the wolf and shaking she moved to Ned's side. "Promise me you'll be all right."
He chuckled without humor. "I know better than to make promises like that, now get going and don't stop until you're in the barn. Understand?"
She didn't answer, simply stood before him, dumbfound. She understood only too well what he meant, but she didn't like it.
"I said do you understand?"
His angry tone broke through her mind's frantic search for a better solution. One that would keep them together and have them safely tucked away in the cabin. "Y-Yes. I do."
"Good. Then mount up and wait for me in the barn."
Numbly, she stuck her boot into the stirrup and fought to mount, Ned's constant movement making it difficult to find her seat. As soon as she was settled, David raced to the horse's rear and smacked the animal firmly on the buttocks. Without warning, Ned sped toward home and safety. Bobbie turned her head to see three wolves chasing after them, their eyes flashing yellow and their mouths twisted in the nastiest of snarls. Ned cried out as one of the beasts nipped at his legs, but Bobbie urged him onward, her worry both easing and rising as they put distance between the wolves and David.
At the popping sound of David's pistol, one of the beasts fell away and the other two veered to the left as another round rent through the icy black of night.
The moon broke through the clouds long enough for her to see him racing her way, his pistol drawn and his rifle over his shoulder. "I told you to get inside!" he shouted, his voice echoing across the mountaintops.
"I won't!" she yelled back. "I won't leave you." She shoved her hand in her pocket, her fingers coming to rest on Reg's small pistol. Wrapping her frigid fingers around the grip, she held it tight. At the sight of a wolf rushing toward them, she lifted it and taking aim, she pulled the trigger. As the bullet left the gun, her world seemed to shift into slow motion. Would her shot take down the beast before his vicious teeth met David's flesh?
The air grew eerily silent, the only sound she heard the beating of her own heart. Finally, the projectile met its intended target and with a soulful yip, the wolf flipped backward and lay unmoving in a crumpled pile in the snow.
David appeared before her, his eyes flashing with a pride she wasn't sure she deserved. His admiration, however, was short lived for he grabbed hold of her upper arm and yanked her into the safety of the barn. Securing the door he set his weapons down and in a single swift motion, he pulled her to him and claimed her lips in a crushing kiss.
She didn't protest. No, she wouldn't for she needed his touch. Curling her hands in lapel of his coat, she leaned into him determined to savor each and every gentle manipulation of his mouth. Her body trembled with relief and her heart soared. He had forgiven her mistake!
He slid his arms about her, his hands gliding down her body, stopping only when he cupped her bottom and pulled her closer. The surge of desire had her body growing moist with anticipation. When he ground his hips against her, she moaned at the feel of his arousal.
Oh, how she longed to be back in their warm bed. A bed she never wanted to leave in haste, ever again. He pressed his tongue between her teeth and she greedily welcomed his intrusion. She released her hold on his jacket and slipped her arms around his neck, her fingers toying with the short curls that stuck out from beneath his woolen cap.
Yes, he had cut his hair. And the kiss was softer, more sensual without the scratch of his whiskers. He had done so much for her today. He had made her a woman, proven his affection and saved her life.
He pulled free of her kiss and set his sweet lips to her throat. More moisture saturated her folds. God, but she wanted him again. Had to have him.
"Is it safe to go inside?" she asked, her voice raspy. "I have the fiercest need growing inside me."
He moaned against her throat. "I want you too, Bobbie. And this time I want no doubts in your mind. It's you I want, now and until my dying day."
Her breath caught in her throat. "Do you mean that?"
He brought his face up to level with hers. "Yes. I mean it."
She opened her mouth to express her joy but Ned huffed from his open stall. David blew out a frustrated breath. "His timing is lousy but he's tired, hungry and scared. I reckon I should see to him".
"I reckon you should," she responded. Her momentary disappointment chilled her desire but not her joy. He had just offered his future to her. She drew her lower lip between her teeth. Now, if she could only be certain of his love.
Chapter 20
Bobbie turned toward the window. Wind whipped at the glass and small specks of snow tapped upon it with velvet fingers. "Where do you suppose Alfred is? Do you think he's all right?"
"I don't know for sure, but I reckon he's fine," he said, stoking the fire. "The dog is smart and lived out in the weather on a fiercer night than this."
While they had been out battling wolves, the fire had faded and the cabin had grown cold. Still, despite the chill, her body hummed with an inner warmth that had her watching every move David made. The way he stoked the fire, the way he removed his coat, the way he ran long fingers through his hair, everything he did sent a heated rush of desire through her body.
Perhaps it was the adrenaline from their adventure. Perhaps it was his promise of a future. Whatever it was, she wanted him with a desperation that threatened to swallow her whole. Yet, she merely stood there, watching, admiring.
Finally, he turned to her and the beauty of him took control. In her frantic need to confess what she had done, she had overlooked his miraculous metamorphosis. He had truly broken free of his wooly cocoon. Chiseled features met her intense gaze, smooth skin begged for her touch and the dimples in his cheeks pleased her beyond belief. He had the looks of a rugged angel. She imagined Michael would have chosen to look like David Henderson had he been offered a choice.
Her heart sent roaring blood to her nether regions and she twisted a lock of hair around her index finger. Yet, he didn't stop readying the cabin for the evening. He ate supper, drank coffee and still she stood in the shadows, watching him, waiting for him to do something.
Finally, he sat in the rocking chair and looked at her. "You're awful quiet and why are you lurking about like a mouse in a house full of cats?" She didn't answer, but did step forward, relishing the way his hungry gaze scanned her form. "Come sit with me. I'll look about for Alfred in my adventures tomorrow." He held out his hand and waggled his fingers. "Don't tell me you're going to be shy, now."
Giddiness had her wanting to skip toward him but she restrained herself. She didn't want to appear too eager, but my oh my, wasn't that what she was? Stumbling the last few steps she stopped before him, wondering how she could sit with him when he occupied the only chair in the cabin. Perhaps he meant the hearth? Yes, she'd warm her back by the fire and still be able to examine the face that she wanted to see every morning until the day she died.
As she took a step away, he grabbed hold of her fingers, stopping her with his gentle grasp. "Sit with me," he said. "Curl your precious body next to mine and allow me to hold you for a bit."
She gazed down upon him, his green eyes wide and full of affection…affection meant just for her. Her heart softened and emotion threatened to have her confessing her undying love for him, yet she said nothing. It wasn't the right time. And it wouldn't be, not until he said the three words that would convince her that his heart now belonged to her. That Sarah was his past and that she, Bobbie Shallcross, the farmer's daughter from Illinois, was the woman he wanted to share his present…and future with.
She lowered herself into his lap and rested her head on his shoulder. He smelled of fresh air, wood smoke, and a scent that belonged only to him. A rich, spicy scent that drove a spiraling tremor through her body and a yearning through her soul.
Closing her eyes she cuddled closer, her arms wrapped around his neck. He gently rocked back and forth, his hands holding her securely in place. She felt so safe and protected, warm and cared for. She never wanted this moment to end and never wanted to be away from him again. She wanted everything he had to offer, his last name, his love, his children.
"I love you," she whispered so low she was certain he couldn't hear. Yet she wished she had the courage to say it louder. Wished that she could tell him everyday when they woke up and everyday as they went to bed just how much she cared.
His body tensed and with an ease that surprised her he stood, cradling her in his arms. "I want to make love to you again," he whispered in her ear. "But understand that when I leave it is with regret that I must arise. Your side is where I want be, Bobbie."
Chills raced across her flesh and she welcomed his loving confession. "I feel the same way," she admitted. "I want you there. Always."
He set her upon the bed and stared down her a long moment, the affection mirrored in his eyes, flashing to lust. He lowered his body atop hers, his knee between hers thighs. Resting on his elbows, he framed her face with his hands, his fingertips cool as he caressed her cheeks.
"You are so beautiful and yet you don't seem to realize it."
His words brought forth a gentle smile. Her mother had always said she was a lovely girl, her father, however, lamented that she was too much of a tomboy to attract the merchants and bankers that worked in town. "You're a poor farmer's daughter and you'll be a poor farmer's wife."
His harsh judgment of not only her but of himself seemed like eons ago. Her life, she realized, was an endless string of moments that led her to a man she should have never met but was destined to love.
He kissed her forehead and pulling back, brushed a curl from her cheek. "I love you, too, my precious Bobbie."
His admission had her gasping. "Y-You heard that?"
He chuckled. "Why shouldn't I hear it?" he asked. "It was meant for me. You were meant for me."
Her heart soared. He loved her too and he realized the truth. God had given them one another and the very love they shared was what had saved them from bitter loneliness. Their love offered each of them a future, not dark and bleak but full of hope.
She reached up and wrapped her arms about him, drawing him closer. "David," she whispered his name. "Tell me again."
"Tell you what?" he asked, his gaze soft upon her face. "That I love you? That I want to see your face upon my daughters, and feel your spirit within my sons?"
"You want to have a family with me?"
"I want to be your family, Bobbie. I see the fierceness of your love. It rivals mine." He pressed a kiss to her lips, not one solely of passion, but one of promise. She arched against him, her fingers curing in the woolen shirt. She'd never be able to get him close enough to satisfy the desire that raced through her.
All doubts, all fear, all worry sped from her as she took what he offered. Her parched soul finally quenched by his admission of love and of a life filled with passion and happiness.
Harris Channing Page 19
